Coupler devices with spring-loaded coupler sleeves

ABSTRACT

A bottom loading coupler includes a coupler body and a plurality of interlocks. Each interlock is positioned in a slot in the body sidewall and pivotally coupled to the coupler body such that each interlock has an engaged position and a disengaged position with each interlock biased to the disengaged position. A coupler sleeve is slidably positioned around the coupler body and comprises a first, retracted position relative to the coupler body and a second, extended position relative to the coupler body. A biasing element is positioned between the coupler sleeve and the coupler body and biases the coupler sleeve to the second, extended position relative to the coupler body. The interlocks are in the disengaged position when the coupler sleeve is in the first, retracted position and in the engaged position when the coupler sleeve is in the second, extended position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/226,638 filed on Jul. 17, 2009 entitled “COUPLER DEVICES,”the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference. ThisApplication is related to but does not claim priority to: U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/______ filed on MONTH, DAY YEAR entitled “PIVOTRINGS FOR COUPLER DEVICES AND COUPLER DEVICES COMPRISING THE SAME,” theentirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/______ filed on MONTH, DAY YEAR entitled “WEARRINGS FOR COUPLER DEVICES AND COUPLER DEVICES COMPRISING THE SAME,” theentirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference; and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/______ filed on MONTH, DAY YEAR entitled “RECOCKHANDLE ASSEMBLIES FOR COUPLER DEVICES AND COUPLER DEVICES COMPRISING THESAME,” the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to bottom loadingcouplers for fluid transfer and, more specifically, to bottom loadingcouplers comprising spring-loaded coupler sleeves.

BACKGROUND

Transferring liquid product from large volume storage tanks into tanktrucks or rail cars involves moving the liquid product through a fixedpipeline riser to storage containers of various sizes and orientationslocated in or on the tank trucks or rail cars. The variousconfigurations of tank trucks and rail cars may require a flexible fluidtransfer system such as a loading arm assembly. The loading arm assemblyis a section of pipeline capable of handling high flows and linepressures that can be moved both vertically and horizontally toaccommodate transport vehicles of various configurations.

One particular method of transferring liquid product through the loadingarm involves using a bottom loading coupler to couple loading arm to thestorage container of the transport vehicle. The bottom loading couplerattaches to a corresponding adapter located on the vehicle storagecontainer. A poppet valve assembly located in the body of the bottomloading coupler may be used to control the flow of liquid into thestorage container. The poppet valve assembly may be actuated using ahandle positioned on the outside of the body of the bottom loadingcoupler. The handle is generally coupled to the poppet valve assemblyvia a shaft which extends through a bushing positioned in a holeextending through the body of the bottom loading coupler.

An individual engaging existing bottom loading couplers with theadapters of storage containers must perform several manual operationssimultaneously to properly engage a bottom loading coupler to anadapter. Performing these manual operations while supporting the weightof the bottom loading coupler may be a difficult task.

Moreover, the moveable parts of the bottom loading coupler may be proneto wear. As the parts wear, the bottom loading coupler may not functionproperly thus presenting a risk of uncontrolled release of product fromthe bottom loading coupler.

Accordingly, a need exists for alternative designs for bottom loadingcouplers and components for bottom loading couplers.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a bottom loading coupler may include a coupler bodycomprising a plurality of slots extending through a body sidewall of thecoupler body and a plurality of interlocks. Each interlock may bepositioned in a corresponding slot in the body sidewall and pivotallycoupled to the coupler body such that each interlock has an engagedposition and a disengaged position with respect to the coupler body witheach interlock biased to the disengaged position. A coupler sleeve maybe slidably positioned around the coupler body. The coupler sleeve maybe slidable from a first, retracted position relative to the couplerbody to a second, extended position relative to the coupler body. Abiasing element may be positioned between the coupler sleeve and thecoupler body. The biasing element biases the coupler sleeve to thesecond, extended position relative to the coupler body. The interlocksmay be in the disengaged position when the coupler sleeve is in thefirst, retracted position. The interlocks are in the engaged positionwhen the coupler sleeve is in the second, extended position.

In another embodiment, a bottom loading coupler may include a couplerbody comprising a plurality of slots extending through a body sidewallof the coupler body and a plurality of interlocks. Each interlock may bepositioned in a corresponding slot in the body sidewall and may bepivotally coupled to the coupler body such that each interlock has anengaged position and a disengaged position with respect to the couplerbody, wherein each interlock is biased to the disengaged position. Acoupler sleeve may be slidably positioned around the body sidewall ofthe coupler body and include an interlock retaining seat formed on aninner circumference of the coupler sleeve. The coupler sleeve may beslidable on the coupler body from a first, retracted position relativeto the coupler body to a second, extended position relative to thecoupler body. A biasing element may be positioned between the couplersleeve and the coupler body, wherein the biasing element biases thecoupler sleeve to the second, extended position relative to the couplerbody. The interlocks are in the disengaged position and seated in theinterlock retaining seat when the coupler sleeve is in the first,retracted position such that the coupler sleeve is retained in thefirst, retracted position. The interlocks are in the engaged positionwhen the coupler sleeve is in the second, extended position.

In yet another embodiment, a bottom loading coupler may include acoupler body having a plurality of slots extending through a bodysidewall of the coupler body. A pivot ring may extend substantiallyaround the outer circumference of the coupler body. A plurality ofinterlocks may be positioned in corresponding slots in the body sidewalland pivotally engaged with the pivot ring. The interlocks are pivotableabout the pivot ring between an engaged position and a disengagedposition. A coupler sleeve may be slidably positioned around the bodysidewall of the coupler body. The coupler sleeve may include aninterlock retaining seat formed on an inner circumference of the couplersleeve. The coupler sleeve may be slidable on the coupler body from afirst, retracted position relative to the coupler body to a second,extended position relative to the coupler body. A biasing element may bepositioned between the coupler sleeve and the coupler body. The biasingelement biases the coupler sleeve to the second, extended positionrelative to the coupler body. The interlocks are in the disengagedposition and seated in the interlock retaining seat when the couplersleeve is in the first, retracted position such that the coupler sleeveis retained in the first, retracted position. The interlocks are in theengaged position when the coupler sleeve is in the second, extendedposition.

These and additional features provided by the embodiments describedherein will be more fully understood in view of the following detaileddescription, in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplaryin nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by theclaims. The following detailed description of the illustrativeembodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with thefollowing drawings, where like structure is indicated with likereference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 schematically depicts an exploded view of a bottom loadingcoupler according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically depict a coupler body according to one ormore embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 2C schematically depicts a cross section of the coupler body shownin FIGS. 2A and 2B according to one or more embodiments shown anddescribed herein;

FIG. 2D schematically depicts an adapter end of the coupler body ofFIGS. 2A-2C, according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 3 schematically depicts an interlock for use in a bottom loadingcoupler according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 4A schematically depicts a pivot ring for use in a bottom loadingcoupler according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 4B schematically depicts a pivot ring for use in a bottom loadingcoupler according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 4C schematically depicts a pivot ring for use in a bottom loadingcoupler according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 5A schematically depicts a pivot ring detent of a coupler bodyaccording to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 5B schematically depicts a pivot ring detent of a coupler bodyaccording to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 6A schematically depicts a coupler sleeve according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 6B schematically depicts a cross section of a coupler sleeveaccording to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 7A schematically depicts a wear ring for a coupler body accordingto one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 7B schematically depicts a cross section of the wear ring of FIG.7A according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 8 schematically depicts an exploded view of a recock handleassembly according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 9A schematically depicts a cross section of a partially assembledbottom loading coupler with the coupler sleeve in a first, retractedposition relative to the coupler body and an interlock in a disengagedposition according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 9B schematically depicts a cross section of a partially assembledbottom loading coupler with the coupler sleeve in a second, extendedposition relative to the coupler body and an interlock in the engagedposition according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 10A schematically depicts a bottom loading coupler with the couplersleeve in a first, retracted position relative to the coupler body, theinterlocks in a disengaged position, the valve operating handle in aclosed position, and the poppet valve closed; and

FIG. 10B schematically depicts a bottom loading coupler with the couplersleeve in a second, retracted position relative to the coupler body, theinterlocks in an engaged position, the valve operating handle in an openposition, and the poppet valve open.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 generally depicts one embodiment of a bottom loading coupler foruse in the bulk transfer of fluids. The bottom loading coupler generallycomprises a coupler body, a coupler sleeve, a recock handle assembly, anoperating handle assembly and a poppet valve assembly. The coupler bodymay include a plurality of interlocks positioned in slots formed in thecoupler body. The interlocks may be positioned in the slots on a pivotring about which the interlocks may be pivoted. The coupler sleeve maybe spring-loaded with respect to the coupler body and comprise a wearring on an inner circumference of the coupler body. Various embodimentsof the bottom loading coupler and the operation of the bottom loadingcoupler will be described in more detail herein.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exploded view of one embodiment of a bottomloading coupler 100 is schematically depicted. The bottom loadingcoupler 100 generally comprises a coupler body 110, a coupler sleeve150, a poppet valve assembly 260, and an operating handle assembly 310.In the embodiments described herein, the coupler body 110 is formed froma metallic material such as an aluminum alloy or similar material. Inone embodiment, the coupler body 110 is formed from an aluminum alloyand coated with an anodized coating.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2D, the coupler body 110 generallycomprises a body sidewall 112 which defines a fluid channel 114extending between an adapter end 116 and a supply end 118. The supplyend 118 of the coupler body 110 may be formed with a flanged portion120. In one embodiment, the flanged portion 120 includes a plurality ofthrough holes in which bolts or other fasteners may be inserted suchthat the coupler body 110 (and the bottom loading coupler 100) may beremovably coupled to a supply conduit (not shown). The coupler body 110is also formed with an operating handle bore 122 which extends throughthe body sidewall 112. The operating handle bore 122 is sized to receivean operating handle assembly 310, as will be described in more detailherein. A blind bore 135 is positioned on the inner circumference of thecoupler body 110 opposite the operating handle bore 122, as shown inFIGS. 2A and 2C.

In one embodiment, the coupler body 110 also comprises a stop boss 124formed on an outer circumference of the body sidewall 112 proximate thesupply end 118 of the coupler body 110 as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2C.The stop boss 124 extends radially outward from the body sidewall 112 bya distance greater than the distance the flanged portion 120 extendsfrom the coupler body 110 in the same radial direction. In theembodiment of the coupler body 110 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2C, the stopboss 124 is integrally formed with the coupler body 110. However, inother embodiments (not shown), the stop boss 124 may be removablycoupled to the coupler body 110. In embodiments where the bottom loadingcoupler 100 comprises a recock handle assembly 210, the stop boss 124acts as a stop for the recock handle assembly 210 and enables thecoupler sleeve 150 to be slidably positioned from a second, extendedposition to a first, retracted position, as will be described in moredetail herein.

In the embodiment of the coupler body 110 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A-2D,the coupler body 110 further comprises a pair of guide elements 126 a,126 b formed on the body sidewall 112. The guide elements 126 a, 126 bare located proximate the supply end 118 of the coupler body 110 onopposite ends of a diameter of the coupler body 110 and generally extendin an axial direction (i.e., the z-direction in the coordinate axesshown in FIG. 1). In the embodiment of the coupler body 110 shownherein, the guide elements 126 a, 126 b comprise channels formed in thebody sidewall 112. The channels extend through the flanged portion 120and are suitably sized to mate with corresponding guide members of therecock handle assembly 210, as will be described in further detailherein.

Referring to the cross sections of the coupler body 110 shown in FIGS.2C and 2D, the inner circumference of the coupler body 110 is formedwith a poppet spring seat 125 for removably receiving a poppet spring ofthe poppet valve assembly 260. The inner circumference of the couplerbody 110 is also formed with a valve cylinder seat 127 for receiving avalve cylinder of the poppet valve assembly 260.

Referring to the cross sections of the coupler body 110 shown in FIGS. 2C and 2 D, the coupler body 110 is formed with an adapter seat 128 forremovably receiving an adapter portion (not shown) of a fluid transferconduit (not shown). The adapter seat 128 is formed in the adapter end116 of the coupler body 110. In the embodiment of the coupler body 110depicted in FIGS. 2C and 2D, the adapter seat 128 is formed with aplurality of interlock recesses 132 in which a plurality of body springseats 130 are positioned. The interlock recesses 132 are shaped toreceive a lever portion of an interlock.

Still referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2D, the coupler body 110 isformed with a plurality of slots 134 positioned about the circumferenceof the body sidewall 112 proximate the adapter end 116. In theembodiments of the bottom loading coupler 100 described herein, thecoupler body 110 comprises a total of five slots 134 which areequidistantly spaced about the circumference of the body sidewall 112.However, it should be understood that more or fewer slots 134 may beformed in the body sidewall 112. The slots 134 extend through the bodysidewall 112 and are aligned with the interlock recesses 132 formed inthe adapter seat 128. An interlock 140 (FIG. 1) is positioned in eachslot 134 and pivotally coupled to the coupler body 110 such that eachinterlock 140 is pivotable from an engaged position to a disengagedposition with respect to the coupler body 110 and, more specifically,with respect to the fluid channel 114 of the coupler body.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary interlock 140 is shown in crosssection. The interlock 140 generally comprises a head portion 141, atail portion 142, and a lever portion 143. The lever portion 143 extendsfrom the interlock 140 between the head portion 141 and the tail portion142 and is substantially perpendicular to the tail portion 142 such thatthe lever portion 143 and the head portion 141 form a “C” shape whichfacilitates mechanically coupling the interlock 140 to an adapterportion of a fluid transfer conduit (not shown). The lever portion 143comprises an adapter face 146 and an interlock spring retaining seat 148formed opposite the adapter face 146. In the embodiments describedherein, each interlock 140 is formed with a retention feature 144 in thehead portion 141 of the interlock 140 on a side of the interlock 140opposite the lever portion 143.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, in one embodiment, the interlock 140 furthercomprises a pivot groove 149 positioned in a side of the interlock 140opposite the lever portion 143. The pivot groove 149 is suitably sizedto receive a pivot ring 190 about which the interlock 140 is pivoted. Inthe embodiments described herein, the pivot groove 149 is substantiallylinear across the width of the interlock (i.e., in the y-directionindicated in the FIG. 3) such that the circular pivot ring 190 contactsthe pivot groove 149 at the ends of the pivot groove. In thisembodiment, the coupler body 110 comprises a pivot ring retaining groove136 formed in an outer circumference of the body sidewall 112. In oneembodiment, the pivot ring retaining groove 136 comprises a plurality ofdiscrete grooves positioned about the outer circumference of the bodysidewall 112 and aligned with one another in the circumferentialdirection, as depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C. In an alternative embodiment (notshown), the pivot ring retaining groove 136 may be a continuous groovewhich extends substantially around the outer circumference of the bodysidewall 112. The pivot ring 190 is removably positioned in the pivotring retaining groove 136 to retain and provide pivotal support for theinterlocks 140 positioned in the slots 134 in the body sidewall 112 ofthe coupler body 110.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, in one embodiment, the pivot ring 190 issubstantially circular and is formed from an elastically deformable andrecoverable metallic material, such as spring steel or a similarmaterial. The pivot ring 190 comprises a first end 192 and a second end194 with a discontinuity 196 separating the first end 192 from thesecond end 194. The discontinuity 196 facilitates elastically deformingthe pivot ring 190 such that the pivot ring 190 can be installed aroundthe coupler body 110 and positioned in the pivot ring retaining groove136.

FIG. 4B depicts another embodiment of a pivot ring 190 where the firstend 192 of the pivot ring 190 comprises a first retaining finger 198 andthe second end 194 of the pivot ring 190 comprises a second retainingfinger 202. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the first retainingfinger 198 and the second retaining finger 202 are oriented such thatthe first retaining finger 198 and the second retaining finger 202extend from the respective ends 192, 194 of the pivot ring 190 in theaxial direction (i.e., the z-direction shown in FIG. 4B). In theembodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the first retaining finger 198 and thesecond retaining finger 202 extend in opposite directions. However, inalternative embodiments (not shown) the first retaining finger 198 andthe second retaining finger 202 may extend in the same axial direction.

FIG. 4C depicts another embodiment of a pivot ring 190 where the firstend 192 of the pivot ring 190 comprises a first retaining finger 198 andthe second end 194 of the pivot ring 190 comprises a second retainingfinger 202. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4C, the first retainingfinger 198 and the second retaining finger 202 are oriented such thatthe first retaining finger 198 and the second retaining finger 202extend from the respective ends 192, 194 of the pivot ring 190 in aradially inward direction (i.e., a direction substantially perpendicularto the z-direction shown in FIG. 4C and towards the center of the pivotring 190). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4C, the first retainingfinger 198 and the second retaining finger 202 are offset from oneanother in the z-direction. However, in an alternative embodiment, thefirst retaining finger 198 and the second retaining finger 202 may beoriented in a single plane which is generally perpendicular to thez-direction.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5A, in one embodiment, where the interlocks 140are retained in the body sidewall 112 with a pivot ring 190, the bodysidewall 112 may further comprise a pivot ring detent 200 formed in theouter circumference of the body sidewall. For example, in oneembodiment, the pivot ring detent 200 may be formed with a first detentslot 204 for receiving a first end 192 of the pivot ring 190 and asecond detent slot 206 for receiving a second end 194 of the pivot ring190. The first detent slot 204 and the second detent slot 206 aregenerally aligned with the pivot ring retaining grooves 136 formed inthe body sidewall 112. The pivot ring detent 200 may further comprise afastener bore 205 formed in the body sidewall 112. In one embodiment,the fastener bore 205 is threaded to receive a corresponding fastener203 (FIG. 1) which may be threaded into the fastener bore to secure thefirst and second ends 192, 194 of the pivot ring 190 in the pivot ringdetent 200 with a washer 209 (FIG. 1).

Referring now to FIGS. 2B and 5B, in another embodiment, when the pivotring 190 comprises a pair of axially opposed retaining fingers 198, 202,as depicted in FIG. 4B, the pivot ring detent 200 further comprises apair of axial detent slots 207 a, 207 b, which receive the firstretaining finger 198 and the second retaining finger 202 of the pivotring 190 when the ends 192, 194 of the pivot ring 190 are positioned inrespective radial detent slots 204, 206. In an alternative embodiment,where the pivot ring 190 also comprises a pair of retaining fingers 198,202, which extend radially inward, as depicted in FIG. 5B, the pivotring detent 200 further comprises a pair of radial detent bores 208 a,208 b formed in the body sidewall 112. The radial detent bores 208 a,208 b are positioned such that the first and second retaining fingers198, 202 are positioned in respective radial detent bores 208 a, 208 bwhen the ends 192, 194 of the pivot ring 190 are positioned inrespective radial detent slots 204, 206. The first and second retainingfingers 198, 202 of the pivot ring 190 work in conjunction with theradial detent bores 208 a, 208 b and/or the axial detent slots toprevent the pivot ring 190 from elastically deforming when a force isapplied to the pivot ring 190 in a radial direction when the pivot ring190 is positioned around the coupler body 110.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, in the embodiment of the bottom loadingcoupler 100 described herein, the pivot ring 190 is positioned aroundthe outer circumference of the coupler body 110 and retained in thepivot ring retaining groove 136. The interlocks 140 are positioned incorresponding slots 134 in the body sidewall 112 and pivotally coupledto the pivot ring 190 such that the interlocks 140 may be pivoted aboutthe pivot ring 190 between an engaged position and a disengagedposition. In the embodiments of the coupler body described herein, aninterlock is positioned in the engaged position when the head portion141 of the interlock is rotated towards the fluid channel 114 formed inthe coupler body (FIG. 9B) and an interlock is positioned in adisengaged position when the head portion 141 of the interlock 140 isrotated away from the fluid channel formed in the coupler body 110 (FIG.9A). Further, in the embodiments described herein, the lever portion 143of each interlock 140 is positioned in a corresponding interlock recess132 in the adapter seat 128 when the interlock 140 is in the engagedposition (FIG. 9B). The interlocks 143 are biased to the disengagedposition with a spring 151 positioned between the lever portion 143 ofeach interlock 140 and the coupler body 110. In the embodimentsdescribed herein, the spring 151 is a compression spring which ispositioned in the interlock spring retaining seat 148 of each interlock140 and in the body spring seat of the corresponding interlock recess132.

While the embodiments of the bottom loading coupler 100 have beendescribed herein as comprising a coupler body 110 with a plurality ofinterlocks 140 pivotally coupled to the coupler body 110 with a pivotring 190, it should be understood that, in other embodiments, theinterlocks 140 may be pivotally coupled to the coupler body 110 withother mechanisms. For example, in one embodiment (not shown), theinterlocks 135 may be individually coupled to the coupler body 110 withpins, such as roll pins or the like, which are inserted throughinterlock and pivotally coupled to the coupler body 110.

Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2A-2C and 9A-9B, in one embodiment, wherethe coupler sleeve 150 and the coupler body 110 are spring-biased withrespect to one another, the coupler body 110 may further comprise a bodyretention stop on which a biasing element 186 may be retained. Forexample, the body retention stop may be a support ring 189 and the outersurface of the coupler body 110 may be formed with a plurality ofbrackets 188 to which the support ring 189 is attached (FIGS. 1 and9A-9B). The support ring 189 may be attached to the brackets 188 withscrews, clips or similar mechanical fasteners or, alternatively, bywelding or similar joining techniques. In another embodiment (notshown), the body retention stop may comprise a support ring which isintegrally formed with the coupler body 110. In either embodiment, thebody retention stop functions as a seat for a biasing element 186, suchas a wave spring or a similar type of spring element. In the embodimentsdescribed herein, the support ring 189 contacts the inner circumferenceof the coupler sleeve 150 such that, as the coupler sleeve 150 slidesrelative to the coupler body 110, the support ring 189 aligns thecoupler body 110 in the coupler sleeve 150 and provides a bearingsurface for the coupler sleeve.

Referring to FIG. 2B, in one embodiment, the coupler body 110 furthercomprises a proximity sensor 350 coupled to the body sidewall 112. Forexample, the proximity sensor 350 may comprise a proximity sensormanufactured by Pepperl+Fuchs of Twinsburg, Ohio, such as part number24681. The proximity sensor 350 is operable to detect the relativeposition of the coupler sleeve 150 and the coupler body 110 and, assuch, provide a signal indicative of when fluid may be safely pumpedthrough the bottom loading coupler 100. For example, in one embodiment,the proximity sensor 350 is positioned to detect the proximity of recockhandle assembly 210 (FIG. 1) attached to the coupler sleeve 150 andoutput a signal to a controller (not shown) which determines if thebottom loading coupler is properly coupled to an adapter such that fluidmay be pumped through the bottom loading coupler 100. In one embodiment,the controller prevents fluid from being pumped through the bottomloading coupler 100 until the coupler sleeve is in a second, extendedposition relative to the coupler body 110 indicating that the coupler isproperly connected to a corresponding adapter.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 6A-6B, and 9A-9B, the coupler sleeve 150 ispositioned around the coupler body 110 and is slidable between a first,retracted position with respect to the coupler body 110 (FIG. 9A) and asecond, extended position with respect to the coupler body 110 (FIG.9B). The coupler sleeve 150 is generally formed from a metallicmaterial, such as an aluminum alloy or similar material. In oneembodiment, the coupler sleeve 150 is formed from an aluminum alloy withan anodized coating. The coupler sleeve 150 is substantially cylindricalwith an adapter end 160, a loading end 162 and sleeve sidewall 152 whichextends between an inner sleeve circumference 156 and an outer sleevecircumference 158. The coupler sleeve 150 is formed with a first lobe168 and a second lobe 170 which extend from the sleeve sidewall 152proximate the loading end 162 of the coupler sleeve 150. In oneembodiment (not shown) a pair of manipulating handles may be removablyattached to the lobes 168, 170. In another embodiment, a recock handleassembly 210 is coupled to the lobes 168, 170, as depicted in FIG. 1. Tofacilitate connecting the recock handle assembly 210 to the lobes 168,170, the lobes may be formed with guide elements 126 c, 126 d (FIG. 1)configured to mate with corresponding guide members of the recock handleassembly 210. For example, in the embodiments shown herein, the guideelements 126 c, 126 d are formed as channels to receive a tonguestructure of the recock handle assembly 210. In the embodiments of thecoupler sleeve shown herein, the coupler sleeve 150 is formed with asleeve retention stop 154 which extends around the inner sleevecircumference 156. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a biasing element 186 ispositioned between the sleeve retention stop 154 of the coupler sleeve150 and the support ring 189 of the coupler sleeve 150 such that thecoupler sleeve 150 may be spring loaded on the coupler body 110.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 6A-6B, the coupler sleeve 150 comprisesan interlock retaining seat 164 positioned on the inner sleevecircumference 156 proximate the adapter end 160 of the coupler sleeve150. For example, referring to FIG. 6A, in one embodiment the interlockretaining seat 164 is a channel formed in the inner sleeve circumference156. The channel is suitably sized such that head portions of theinterlocks pivotally coupled to the coupler body 110 may be removablyretained in the interlock retaining seat 164 when the interlocks are ina disengaged position with respect to the coupler body 110 and thecoupler sleeve is in the first, retracted position with respect to thecoupler body 110.

Referring now to FIGS. 6B and 7A-7B, in another embodiment, theinterlock retaining seat 164 comprises a wear ring 166 attached to theinner sleeve circumference 156. For example, the wear ring 166 may bepositioned on the inner sleeve circumference 156 proximate the adapterend 160 such that a channel is formed between the wear ring 166 and theinner sleeve circumference 156. In this embodiment, the coupler sleeve150 is formed from a first material and the wear ring 166 is formed froma second material which is harder than the first material. For example,where the coupler sleeve 150 is formed from aluminum, as describedherein, the wear ring 166 is formed from a second material which isharder than aluminum. For example, the wear ring 166 may be formed fromsteel alloys, nickel-based alloys, or nickel-copper alloys. In oneembodiment, the wear ring is coated with a metallic coating which hasnickel as the primary alloying constituent. In another embodiment, theinterlocks positioned in the coupler body 110 are formed from a steelalloy and the wear ring 166 of the coupler sleeve is at least as hard asthe steel alloy from which the interlocks 140 are formed.

Still referring to FIGS. 6B and 7A-7B, in one embodiment, the wear ring166 is removably received in a wear ring receiving channel formed in theinner sleeve circumference 156. For example, in one embodiment the wearring is formed from an upper wear ring portion 174 and a lower wear ringportion 176. The upper wear ring portion 174 and the lower wear ringportion are substantially perpendicular with one another such that thewear ring 166 is substantially L-shaped in cross section. In oneembodiment, the upper wear ring portion 174 has a beveled edge 175 whichforms a lip portion of the interlock retaining seat 164 that mates withthe corresponding retention feature of the head portion of eachinterlock to retain the interlock in the interlock retaining seat 164.The lower wear ring portion 176 is removably received in the wear ringreceiving channel thereby retaining the wear ring 166 on the innersleeve circumference 156 and forming the interlock retaining seat 164between the upper wear ring portion 174 and the inner sleevecircumference 156.

In the embodiments described herein, the wear ring 166 is formed with adiscontinuity 184 between a first end 180 of the wear ring 166 andsecond end 182 of the wear ring 166 such that the wear ring 166 may beelastically deformed to facilitate positioning the wear ring 166 in thewear ring receiving channel. In this embodiment, an anti rotation device183, such as a pin, screw, rivet or similar device, is positioned in thewear ring receiving channel in the discontinuity to prevent the wearring 166 from rotating with respect to the coupler sleeve 150. In thisembodiment, the wear ring 166 is positioned in the wear ring receivingchannel such that the discontinuity does not interfere with theoperation of the interlocks 140 located in the coupler body 110.

While the wear ring 166 has been described herein as generallycomprising an L-shaped configuration, it should be understood that otherconfigurations of the wear ring 166 are also contemplated. For example,the wear ring 166 may be a closed hoop of metallic material that isattached to the inner sleeve sidewall with an adhesive or by brazing,welding or a similar joining technique to form the interlock retainingseat 164.

In the embodiments in which the coupler sleeve 150 includes a wear ring166, the wear ring 166 mitigates wear on the inner sleeve circumference156 and the interlock retaining seat 164 due to sliding contact with theinterlocks 140 positioned in the coupler body 110. Thus, the wear ring166 extends the service life of the coupler sleeve 150 and the bottomloading coupler 100 in which the coupler sleeve 150 is incorporated.

Referring now to FIG. 8, one embodiment of a recock handle assembly 210is schematically depicted. The recock handle assembly 210 generallycomprises a handle portion 212 coupled to a lever portion 218 with afirst pivot block 228 a and a second pivot block 228 b. The first pivotblock 228 a is pivotally coupled to a first base plate 230 a and asecond base plate 230 b. In the embodiment of the recock handle assembly210 described herein, the lever portion 218 comprises a first lever arm220, a second lever arm 222 and a lever bar 224 oriented in asubstantially U-shaped configuration with the first lever arm 220parallel with the second lever arm 222. In the embodiments describedherein, the lever portion 218 is formed from a single piece of metallicmaterial, such as stainless steel or a similar metallic material, suchthat the first lever arm 220, the second lever arm 222 and the lever bar224 are integrally formed with one another. However, it should beunderstood that, in other embodiments, the first lever arm 220, thesecond lever arm 222 and the lever bar 224 may be individually formedand joined together, such as by welding or similar joining techniques,to form the lever portion 218.

The handle portion 212 of the recock handle assembly 210 comprises afirst connecting leg 214, a second connecting leg 216 and a bail 226oriented in a substantially U-shaped configuration with the firstconnecting leg 214 parallel with the second connecting leg 216.Accordingly, it will be understood that the first connecting leg 214 andthe second connecting leg 216 are positioned in a first plane. However,the bail 226 is offset from the first connecting leg 214 and the secondconnecting leg 216 (as shown in FIG. 8) such that the bail 226 isnon-coplanar with the plane in which the first connecting leg 214 andthe second connecting leg 216 are positioned. In the embodiment of thehandle portion 212 shown in FIG. 8, the bail 226 is located in a planewhich is substantially parallel with the first connecting leg 214 andthe second connecting leg 216. However, it should be understood that thebail 226 may have other configurations with respect to the firstconnecting leg 214 and the second connecting leg 216. In the embodimentsdescribed herein, the handle portion 212 is formed from a single pieceof metallic material, such as stainless steel or a similar metallicmaterial, such that the first connecting leg 214, the second connectingleg 216 and the bail 226 are integrally formed with one another.However, it should be understood that, in other embodiments, the firstconnecting leg 214, the second connecting leg 216 and the bail 226 maybe individually formed and joined together, such as by welding orsimilar joining techniques, to form the handle portion 212.

The pivot blocks 228 a, 228 b are formed from a metallic material, suchas stainless steel or a similar material. In the embodiments shownherein, the pivot blocks 228 a, 228 b are generally square in crosssection. Each pivot block 228 a, 228 b is formed with a handle bore 238and a lever bore (not shown) which are generally in opposition to oneanother. In one embodiment, each pivot block 228 a, 228 b includes apivot bore 242 located between the handle bore 238 and the lever bore(not shown). The pivot bore may be substantially perpendicular with thehandle bore 238 and the lever bore (not shown). In the embodimentsdescribed herein, the first connecting leg 214 of the handle portion 212is positioned in the handle bore 238 of the first pivot block 228 awhile the second connecting leg 216 of the handle portion 212 ispositioned in the handle bore 238 of the second pivot block 228 b.Similarly, the first lever arm 220 of the lever portion 218 ispositioned in the lever bore (not shown) of the first connecting block228 a while the second lever arm 222 of the lever portion 218 ispositioned in the lever bore (not shown) of the second pivot block 228b. In one embodiment, the first connecting leg 214, the secondconnecting leg 216, the first lever arm 220, and the second lever arm222 are each secured in respective pivot blocks 228 a, 228 b with a weldthereby joining the handle portion 212 to the lever portion 218 via thepivot blocks 228 a, 228 b. However it should be understood that otherjoining techniques may be used to secure the lever portion 218 and thehandle portion 212 in the pivot blocks 228 a, 228 b. For example, in analternative embodiment (not shown) the handle portion 212 and the leverportion 218 are secured in the pivot blocks 228 with threaded fastenerssuch as screws.

As described herein, the pivot blocks 228 a, 228 b are pivotally coupledto base plates 230 a, 230 b. For example, the first pivot block 228 a ispivotally coupled to a first base plate 230 a while the second pivotblock 228 b is pivotally coupled to a second base plate 230 b. In theembodiments described herein, the base plates 230 a, 230 b are formedfrom a metallic material, such as stainless steel or a similar material,and generally comprise a yoke structure 244 in which a pivot block ispivotally connected. For example, referring to FIG. 8, the pivot block230 a is pivotally mounted in the yoke structure 244 of the first baseplate 230 a with a roll pin 236 which extends through the pivot bore 242of the first pivot block 228 a such that the first pivot block 228 a(and the attached lever portion 218 and handle portion 212) arepivotable with respect to the first base plate 230 a about the roll pin236. The second pivot block 228 b is attached to the second base plate230 b in a similar manner.

Each base plate 230 comprises a body guide member 232 and a sleeve guidemember 234. As shown in FIG. 8, the body guide member 232 and the sleeveguide member 234 of each base plate 230 are generally formed tocorrespond to the guide elements 126 a, 126 b (FIGS. 2A, 2B) of thecoupler body 110 and the guide elements 126 c, 126 d of the couplersleeve 150, respectively. For example, in the embodiments shown herein,the guide elements 126 c, 126 d are channels and the body guide member232 and the sleeve guide member 234 are generally formed ascorresponding tongue structures. However, it should be understood that,in alternative embodiments, the body guide member 232 and/or the sleeveguide member 234 may be formed as a channel or a groove, such as whenthe corresponding guide elements are formed as tongue structures. In theembodiments shown herein, the body guide member 232 of each base plate230 is substantially perpendicular to the sleeve guide member 234.

Referring to FIG. 1, the recock handle assembly 210 is attached to theloading end 162 of the coupler sleeve 150 such that, when the leverportion 218 and the handle portion 212 are pivoted in the base plates230, the lever portion 218 is engagable with the stop boss 124 of thecoupler body 110 thereby causing the coupler sleeve 150 to be displacedrelative to the coupler body 110. More specifically, in the embodimentsshown herein, the base plates 230 of the recock handle assembly arepositioned on the lobes 168, 170 of the coupler sleeve 150 such that thesleeve guide members 234 are engaged with the guide elements 126 c, 126d of the lobes 168, 170. The base plates 230 a, 230 b are then affixedto the lobes 168, 170 with fasteners 153, such as bolts. With the baseplates 230 positioned on the coupler sleeve 150, the body guide members232 of the base plates 230 may be slidably engaged with the guideelements 126 a, 126 d of the coupler body 110. The body guide members232 interact with the guide elements 126 a, 126 d of the coupler body110 to guide coupler sleeve 150 on the coupler body 110 as the couplersleeve is moved between the first, retracted position and the second,extended position. Further, when the coupler sleeve 150 is in thesecond, extended position (as shown in FIGS. 9B and 10B), the recockhandle assembly 210 may be actuated with the handle portion 212 toengage the lever portion 218 with the stop boss 124 of the coupler body110 which, in turn, causes the coupler sleeve to slide with respect tothe coupler body from the second, extended position to the first,retracted position (as shown in FIGS. 9A and 10A).

While one embodiment of the bottom loading coupler 100 is shown anddescribed herein as comprising a recock handle assembly 210, it shouldbe understood that the recock handle assembly 210 is optional and that,in other embodiments, the bottom loading coupler 100 may be constructedwithout a recock handle assembly 210. In these embodiments, the couplersleeve 150 and coupler body 110 may be formed with the appropriate guideelements 126 a, 126 b, 126 c, 126 d such that the recock handle assembly210 may be subsequently added to the bottom loading coupler 100 as anaccessory.

Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the poppet valve assembly 260is schematically depicted. The poppet valve assembly generally comprisesa poppet valve 262, a nose seal 264, a valve cylinder 266, a cylinderO-ring 268, and a poppet spring 270. The poppet valve assembly 260 alsocomprises a drive link 272 and one or more links 274. However, it shouldbe understood that other embodiments of poppet valve assemblies for usein conjunction with bottom loading couplers may have more or fewercomponents than those illustrated in FIG. 1. In the illustratedembodiment, the poppet valve 262 is configured to be positioned withinthe nose seal 264. The nose seal 264 is, in turn, seated in the valvecylinder 266. The first end 276 of the valve cylinder 266 comprises acircumferential flange, as shown in FIG. 1. The cylinder O-ring 268 maybe positioned around the valve cylinder 266 within a groove 280 locatedat a second end 278 of the valve cylinder 266. The poppet spring 270 ispositioned between the second end 278 of the valve cylinder 266 and thepoppet spring seat 125 formed in the coupler body 110. The flange of thevalve cylinder 266 may be seated within the valve cylinder seat 127formed in the inner circumference of the coupler body 110 (FIG. 2C).

In the embodiments described herein, the poppet valve 262 comprises aplurality of arms 282. When assembled, the arms 282 are positioned inthe fluid channel 114 of the coupler body 110 and engage with the valvecylinder 266 to provide guidance to the poppet valve 262. The poppetvalve 262 also comprises a vertical coupling plate 284 that includes apin hole 286 for accepting a coupling pin 288 (e.g., a clevis pin) tocouple two links 274 to the poppet valve 262 as illustrated in FIG. 1.The links 274 may comprise a curved portion that allows for the handleshaft to extend across the fluid channel 114 of the coupler body 110.The second end of each link 274 may be coupled to the drive link 272.The drive link 272 comprises a drive link pin hole 287 for accepting acoupling pin 288 (e.g., a clevis pin). The coupling pin 288 may beinserted into a second link hole of each link 274 as well a drive linkpin hole 287. The coupling pin may be maintained within the second linkholes and drive link pin hole 287 by a washer 292 and E-ring 293 asillustrated in FIG. 1. However, it should be understood that the links274 may be coupled to the poppet valve 262 and drive link 272 by anyknown or yet to be developed fasteners.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the bottom loading coupler 100 may furthercomprise a handle shaft assembly 310 which is positioned in theoperating handle bore 122 of the coupler body 110 and mechanicallycoupled to the poppet valve assembly 260. The handle shaft assembly 310generally comprises a tube spacer 302, a handle shaft 304, a sleevebearing 311, a stuff box 312, at least one internal sealing member 306,at least one external sealing member 308, an valve operating handle 320and a cam follower 316. The tube spacer 302 is a hollow cylindricalshaft configured to receive the handle shaft 304. The handle shaft 304generally comprises a solid shaft extending between a first end 303 anda second end 305. The first end 303 is sized for insertion into theblind bore 135 of the coupler body 110 (FIG. 2C). The second end 305 ofthe handle shaft 304 is sized and shaped for insertion in acorresponding opening in the valve operating handle 320 such that thehandle shaft is rotationally fixed to the valve operating handle 320(i.e., the handle shaft 304 rotates with the valve operating handle320).

The sleeve bearing 311 and the stuff box 312 are positioned on thehandle shaft 304. The internal sealing member 306 is disposed betweenthe stuffbox 312 and the handle shaft 304 while the external sealingmember 308 is positioned between the stuff box 312 and the operatinghandle bore 122 of the coupler body 110 when the stuff box 312 isthreaded into the operating handle bore 122 thereby preventing fluidloss from the fluid channel 114 through the operating handle bore 122.In one embodiment, the second end 305 of the handle shaft 304 may bethreaded such that the handle shaft 304 may be secured to the valveoperating handle 320 by a fastener such as a nut 314.

When the handle shaft assembly 310 is positioned in the operating handlebore 122, the handle shaft 304 may be engaged with the drive link 272 ofthe poppet valve assembly 260 such that the handle shaft 304 isnon-rotatable with respect to the drive link. Accordingly, rotationimparted to the handle shaft 304 with the valve operating handle 320causes displacement of the drive link 272 which, in turn, displaces thepoppet valve 262 relative to the coupler body 110 thereby opening orclosing the poppet valve 262 in the fluid channel 114. The valveoperating handle 320 may comprise an operating knob 321 radiallydisposed from the axis of rotation of the valve operating handle 320 andan operating bail 328. The valve operating handle 320 generallycomprises a hole 322 configured to receive the second end 305 of thehandle shaft 304. The valve operating handle 320 also comprises a hole(not shown) for receiving the shaft portion of the cam follower 316.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the assembly of the handle shaft assembly 310into a bottom loading coupler 100 will now be described. The handleshaft 304 is positioned in the operating handle bore 122 of the couplerbody 110 of the bottom loading coupler 100. The first end 303 of thehandle shaft 304 is engaged with the drive link slot 273 of the drivelink 272 of the poppet valve assembly 260 positioned in the interior ofthe coupler body 110. Once the tube spacer 302 is positioned on thehandle shaft 304, the handle shaft 304 is fully seated in the operatinghandle bore 122 in the coupler body 110 such that a collar 307 of thehandle shaft 304 is positioned perpendicular to a shoulder formed in theoperating handle bore 122. In this position, a first end of the tubespacer 302 is disposed within the blind bore 135 and the first end 303of the handle shaft 304 is positioned in the blind bore 135.

During assembly, the internal sealing members 306 are positioned inseats located in the stuff box 312. The external sealing member 308 ispositioned in an annular groove on the exterior surface of the stuff box312. The sleeve bearing 311 is inserted over the second end of thehandle shaft 304. The stuff box 312 is then inserted over the second end305 of the handle shaft 304. The stuff box 312 is then threaded into theoperating handle bore 122 in the coupler body 110. The cam follower 316is inserted into the valve operating handle 320 and secured with a nut326. The valve operating handle 320 is then positioned on the second end305 of the handle shaft 304 such that the handle shaft 304 is engagedwith hole 322. The valve operating handle 320 is then secured to thesecond end 305 of the handle shaft 304 with a threaded fastener such asa nut 314. The valve operating handle may be rotated relative to thecoupler body 110 between a valve open position and a valve closedposition to actuate the poppet valve assembly 260. Accordingly, it willbe understood that, when the valve operating handle is in the openposition, the poppet valve 262 is open and, when the valve operatinghandle is in the closed position, the poppet valve 262 is closed.

The operation of the bottom loading coupler 100 will now be describedwith specific reference to FIGS. 9A-9B and FIGS. 10A-10B. Referring toFIGS. 9A and 10A, FIG. 9A shows a cross section of a partially assembledbottom loading coupler showing the coupler body 110 positioned in acoupler sleeve 150. FIG. 10A shows an assembled bottom loading coupler100. In both FIGS. 9A and 10A the coupler sleeve 150 is positioned inthe first, retracted position relative to the coupler body 110. With thecoupler sleeve 150 in the first, retracted position, the interlock 140is biased to a disengaged position in which the head portion 141 of theinterlock is rotated away from the fluid channel 114 and disposed in theinterlock retaining seat 164 formed between the coupler sleeve 150 andthe wear ring 166. More specifically, when the coupler sleeve 150 is inthe first, retracted position, the spring 151 exerts a force on thelever portion 143 of the interlock 140 causing the interlock to rotateabout the pivot ring 190. As the interlock 140 rotates, the leverportion 143 is lifted from the interlock recess 132 and the head portion141 is retracted into the slot 134 in the sidewall of the coupler body110, as depicted in FIG. 10A With the coupler sleeve 150 in thisposition, the biasing element 186 positioned between the coupler sleeve150 and the support ring 189 of the coupler body 110 is compressed,thereby cocking the coupler sleeve 150 on the coupler body 110. Thecoupler sleeve 150 is held in the first, retracted position (i.e., thecocked position) by the head portion 141 of the interlock 140 beingpositioned in the interlock retaining seat 164.

Referring to FIG. 10A, it should be understood that, in order toposition the coupler sleeve 150 in the first, retracted position (i.e.,to cock the coupler sleeve 150 on the coupler body 110), the valveoperating handle 320 must be rotated to the valve closed position asdepicted in FIG. 10A such that the poppet valve 262 is closed. When thevalve operating handle 320 is in the valve closed position, the couplersleeve 150 is positioned on the coupler body 110 such that the loadingend 162 of the coupler sleeve 150 is in close proximity to the operatinghandle. With the coupler sleeve 150 in the first, retracted position,the valve operating handle 320 is engagable with the coupler sleeve 150such that the valve operating handle 320 is not able to be rotated fromthe valve closed position to the valve open position thereby preventingthe poppet valve 262 from being opened.

In embodiments where the coupler body 110 further comprises a proximitysensor 350 (as shown in FIG. 2B) the proximity sensor 350 may provided asignal indicating that the sleeve is in the first, retracted position asdepicted in FIGS. 9A and 10A. The signal from the proximity sensor maybe received by a control system which prevents fluid from being pumpedthrough the bottom loading coupler 100 based on the positioning of thecoupler sleeve 150 in the first, retracted position.

Referring to FIGS. 9B and 10B, FIG. 9B shows a cross section of apartially assembled bottom loading coupler showing the coupler body 110positioned in a coupler sleeve 150. FIG. 10B shows an assembled bottomloading coupler 100. In both FIGS. 9B and 10B the coupler sleeve 150 ispositioned in the second, extended position relative to the coupler body110. With the coupler sleeve 150 in the second, extended position, theinterlock 140 is biased to an engaged position in which the head portion141 of the interlock 140 is rotated towards the fluid channel 114 andthe lever portion 143 of the interlock 140 is seated in the interlockrecess 132 formed in the adapter end of the coupler body 110. In thisposition, the interlock may be engaged with an adapter (not shown)positioned in the bottom loading coupler 100. More specifically, whenthe coupler sleeve 150 is in the second, extended position, the headportion 141 of the interlock 140 contacts the coupler sleeve 150 which,in turn, exerts a force on the head portion 141 of the interlock 140causing the interlock to rotate about the pivot ring 190 such that thehead portion 141 of the interlock is displaced towards the fluid channel114. As the interlock 140 rotates, the lever portion 143 seated in theinterlock recess 132 and the head portion 141 is extended from the slot134 in the sidewall of the coupler body 110 thereby positioning theinterlock in the engaged position, as depicted in FIG. 10B. With thecoupler sleeve 150 in this position, the biasing element 186 positionedbetween the coupler sleeve 150 and the support ring 189 of the couplerbody 110 is un-compressed.

Referring to FIG. 10B, it should be understood that, when the couplersleeve 150 is in the second, extended position, the valve operatinghandle 320 may be rotated from a valve closed position (i.e., theposition shown in FIG. 10A) to a valve open position (i.e., the positionshown in FIG. 10B) such that the poppet valve is open, as depicted inFIG. 10B. However, when the valve operating handle 320 is in the valveopen position, the coupler sleeve 150 is positioned on the coupler body110 such that the loading end 162 of the coupler sleeve 150 in closeproximity to the valve operating handle. With the coupler sleeve 150 inthe second, extended position and the valve operating handle 320 in theopen position (i.e., a non-closed position), the valve operating handle320 is engagable with the coupler sleeve 150 such that the couple sleevemay not be repositioned to the first, retracted position (as shown inFIG. 10A) while the poppet valve 262 is open thereby preventing thebottom loading coupler 100 from being disengaged from an adapter (notshown) while the poppet valve 262 is open.

In embodiments where the coupler body 110 further comprises a proximitysensor 350 (as shown in FIG. 2B) the proximity sensor 350 may provided asignal indicating that the sleeve is in the second, extended position asdepicted in FIGS. 9B and 10B. The signal from the proximity sensor maybe received by a control system which permits fluid to be pumped throughthe bottom loading coupler 100 based on the positioning of the couplersleeve 150 in the second, extended position.

Referring again to FIGS. 9A-9B and 10A-10B, the coupler sleeve 150 maybe transitioned from the first, retracted position to the second,extended position when the bottom loading coupler 100 is engaged with anadapter (not shown), such as an adapter located on a storage container,fuel truck, or the like. Specifically, with the coupler sleeve 150 inthe first, retracted position and the interlock 140 in the disengagedposition, an adapter can be inserted into the adapter seat 128 of thecoupler body 110. As the adapter is inserted, the adapter contacts thelever portion 143 of each interlock causing the interlock 140 to rotatetowards the engaged position. Specifically, as the adapter contacts thelever portion 143, the interlock pivots about the pivot ring 190 as thelever portion is rotated into the interlock recess 132 and the spring151 is compressed. Rotation of the interlock 140 disengages theinterlock 140 from the interlock retaining seat 164 as the head portion141 of the interlock rotates towards the fluid channel 114. Once thehead portion 141 is disengaged from the interlock retaining seat 164,the biasing element 186 expands, sliding the coupler sleeve in thedirection of the arrow 362 and positioning the sleeve in the second,extended position and the interlock 140 in the engaged position, asdepicted in FIG. 9B. With the coupler sleeve 150 in the second, extendedposition, the interlock 140 is engaged with the adapter (not shown)positioned in the coupler body 110 and the valve operating handle 320may be rotated from the valve closed position to the valve open positionthereby opening the poppet valve 262 as shown in FIG. 10B.

Once the loading operation has been complete, the valve operating handle320 is rotated from a valve open position to a valve closed position(i.e., as shown in FIG. 10A) thereby closing the poppet valve 262. Oncethe poppet valve 262 is closed, the coupler sleeve 150 may be recockedwith respect to the coupler body 110. Specifically, an operator maygrasp the operating bail 328 and the handle portion 212 of the recockhandle assembly 210 and, by squeezing them together, slide the couplersleeve 150 in the direction shown by arrow 363 in FIG. 10B therebydisengaging the bottom loading coupler from the adapter. As the couplersleeve 150 is displaced on the coupler body 110 in the direction ofarrow 361, the head portion of the interlock 140 slides along the insideof the coupler sleeve 150 and over the wear ring 166 until the headportion 141 of the interlock 140 is biased into the interlock retainingseat 164 by the spring 151 thereby returning the interlock 140 to thedisengaged position. With the interlock 140 in the disengaged position,the interaction between the head portion 141 of the interlock 140 andthe wear ring 166 holds the sleeve in the first, retracted positionkeeping the coupler sleeve 150 cocked with respect to the coupler body110.

In the embodiments of the bottom loading coupler shown an describedherein, the bottom loading coupler includes a recock handle assembly anda biasing element such that the coupler sleeve may be spring-loaded withrespect to the coupler body. However, in another embodiment, the bottomloading coupler may be assembled without the recock handle assembly orthe biasing element. In this embodiment, the components which facilitatespring-loading the coupler sleeve with respect to the coupler body maybe supplied as a kit of parts which may be used to convert aconventional bottom loading coupler to a bottom loading coupler with aspring loaded sleeve. For example, the kit of parts may include abiasing element and a recock handle assembly. Alternatively, the kit ofparts may also include a proximity sensor for detecting the relativeposition of the coupler sleeve with respect to the coupler body.

While embodiments of the bottom loading coupler are depicted with a wearring, pivot ring, recock handle assembly and biasing element with acorresponding support ring, it should be understood that the variouscomponents of the bottom loading couplers described herein may beutilized in a bottom loading coupler in various combinations. Forexample, various combinations of the wear ring, pivot ring, recockhandle assembly and biasing element may be incorporated in a bottomloading coupler to facilitate various functional embodiments of bottomloading couplers.

Further, it should also be understood that the embodiments describedherein provide for bottom loading couplers with improved functionality.Specifically, in embodiments where the bottom loading coupler includes awear ring, the wear ring reduces wear on the internal surface of thecoupler sleeve thereby extending the service life of the bottom loadingcoupler. In embodiments where the bottom loading coupler includes apivot ring, the pivot ring improves the ease of disassembling andassembling the bottom loading coupler thereby reducing the maintenancecosts associated with servicing the coupler and decreasing couplerdown-time. In embodiments where the bottom loading coupler includes acoupler sleeve which is spring-loaded with respect to the coupler body,the bottom loading coupler may be attached to an adapter withoutmultiple manual operations by simply placing the coupler sleeve on theadapter. Moreover, in embodiments where the coupler sleeve comprises arecock handle assembly, the recock handle assembly facilitates cockingthe coupler sleeve on the coupler body without multiple manualoperations.

It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” may be utilizedherein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may beattributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or otherrepresentation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent thedegree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a statedreference without resulting in a change in the basic function of thesubject matter at issue.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein,it should be understood that various other changes and modifications maybe made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimedsubject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimedsubject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not beutilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appendedclaims cover all such changes and modifications that are within thescope of the claimed subject matter.

1. A bottom loading coupler comprising: a coupler body comprising aplurality of slots extending through a body sidewall of the coupler bodyand a plurality of interlocks, wherein each interlock is positioned in acorresponding slot in the body sidewall and pivotally coupled to thecoupler body such that each interlock has an engaged position and adisengaged position with respect to the coupler body, wherein eachinterlock is biased to the disengaged position; a coupler sleeveslidably positioned around the coupler body wherein the coupler sleeveis slidable from a first, retracted position relative to the couplerbody to a second, extended position relative to the coupler body; abiasing element positioned between the coupler sleeve and the couplerbody, wherein the biasing element biases the coupler sleeve to thesecond, extended position relative to the coupler body, wherein: theinterlocks are in the disengaged position when the coupler sleeve is inthe first, retracted position; and the interlocks are in the engagedposition when the coupler sleeve is in the second, extended position. 2.The bottom loading coupler of claim 1 wherein: the biasing element is awave spring; the wave spring is compressed when the coupler sleeve is inthe first, retracted position; and the wave spring is expanded when thecoupler sleeve is in the second, extended position.
 3. The bottomloading coupler of claim 1 wherein the coupler sleeve comprises aninterlock retaining seat on an inner circumference of the coupler sleeveand the interlocks are seated in the interlock retaining seat when thecoupler sleeve is in the first, retracted position such that the couplersleeve is retained in the first, retracted position.
 4. The bottomloading coupler of claim 1 wherein: the coupler body comprises a bodyretention stop located on an outer circumference of the coupler body;the coupler sleeve comprises a sleeve retention stop located on an innercircumference of the coupler sleeve; and the biasing element is positionbetween the body retention stop and the sleeve retention stop.
 5. Thebottom loading coupler of claim 4 wherein: the body retention stopcomprises a support ring removably coupled to the coupler body; and thesleeve retention stop is integrally formed with the coupler sleeve. 6.The bottom loading coupler of claim 4 wherein the body retention stopcontacts the inner circumference of the coupler body aligning thecoupler body in the coupler sleeve and providing a bearing surface forthe coupler sleeve.
 7. The bottom loading coupler of claim 1 furthercomprising a poppet valve assembly disposed in the coupler body andmechanically coupled to a valve operating handle positioned on thecoupler body, the valve operating handle having a valve open positionand a valve closed position, wherein: the poppet valve assembly isclosed when the valve operating handle is in the valve closed position;and the poppet valve assembly is open when the valve operating handle isin the valve open position.
 8. The bottom loading coupler of claim 7wherein the coupler sleeve is engagable with the valve operating handlewhen the valve operating handle is in the valve closed position and thecoupler sleeve is in the first, retracted position thereby preventingthe valve operating handle from being rotated to the valve openposition.
 9. The bottom loading coupler of claim 8 wherein the valveoperating handle is engagable with the coupler sleeve when the couplersleeve is in the second, extended position and the valve operatinghandle is in a non-closed position thereby preventing the coupler sleevefrom being positioned in the first, retracted position.
 10. The bottomloading coupler of claim 1 further comprising a proximity sensorpositioned between an inner circumference of the coupler sleeve and anouter circumference of the coupler body, wherein the proximity sensoroutputs a signal indicative of a relative position of the coupler sleeveand the coupler body.
 11. A bottom loading coupler comprising: a couplerbody comprising a plurality of slots extending through a body sidewallof the coupler body and a plurality of interlocks, wherein eachinterlock is positioned in a corresponding slot in the body sidewall andis pivotally coupled to the coupler body such that each interlock has anengaged position and a disengaged position with respect to the couplerbody, wherein each interlock is biased to the disengaged position; acoupler sleeve slidably positioned around the body sidewall of thecoupler body and comprising an interlock retaining seat formed on aninner circumference of the coupler sleeve, wherein the coupler sleeve isslidable on the coupler body from a first, retracted position relativeto the coupler body to a second, extended position relative to thecoupler body; and a biasing element positioned between the couplersleeve and the coupler body, wherein the biasing element biases thecoupler sleeve to the second, extended position relative to the couplerbody, wherein: the interlocks are in the disengaged position and seatedin the interlock retaining seat when the coupler sleeve is in the first,retracted position such that the coupler sleeve is retained in thefirst, retracted position; and the interlocks are in the engagedposition when the coupler sleeve is in the second, extended position.12. The bottom loading coupler of claim 11 wherein: the coupler bodycomprises a body retention stop located on an outer circumference of thecoupler body; the coupler sleeve comprises a sleeve retention stoplocated on the inner circumference of the coupler sleeve; and thebiasing element is position between the body retention stop and thesleeve retention stop.
 13. The bottom loading coupler of claim 12wherein the body retention stop contacts the inner circumference of thecoupler body aligning the coupler body in the coupler sleeve andproviding a bearing surface for the coupler sleeve.
 14. The bottomloading coupler of claim 11 wherein the interlocks are pivotally coupledto the coupler body with a pivot ring extending around an outercircumference of the coupler body.
 15. The bottom loading coupler ofclaim 11 further comprising a poppet valve assembly disposed in thecoupler body and mechanically coupled to a valve operating handlepositioned on the coupler body, the valve operating handle having avalve open position and a valve closed position, wherein: the poppetvalve assembly is closed when the valve operating handle is in the valveclosed position; and the poppet valve assembly is open when the valveoperating handle is in the valve open position.
 16. The bottom loadingcoupler of claim 15 wherein the coupler sleeve is engagable with thevalve operating handle when the valve operating handle is in the valveclosed position and the coupler sleeve is in the first, retractedposition thereby preventing the valve operating handle from beingrotated to the valve open position.
 17. The bottom loading coupler ofclaim 15 wherein the valve operating handle is engagable with thecoupler sleeve when the coupler sleeve is in the second, extendedposition and the valve operating handle is in a non-closed positionthereby preventing the coupler sleeve from being positioned in thefirst, retracted position.
 18. The bottom loading coupler of claim 11further comprising a proximity sensor positioned between the innercircumference of the coupler sleeve and an outer circumference of thecoupler body, wherein the proximity sensor outputs a signal indicativeof a relative position of the coupler sleeve and the coupler body.
 19. Abottom loading coupler comprising: a coupler body comprising: aplurality of slots extending through a body sidewall of the couplerbody; a pivot ring extending substantially around an outer circumferenceof the coupler body; and a plurality of interlocks positioned incorresponding slots in the body sidewall and pivotally engaged with thepivot ring, wherein the interlocks are pivotable about the pivot ringbetween an engaged position and a disengaged position; a coupler sleeveslidably positioned around the body sidewall of the coupler body andcomprising an interlock retaining seat formed on an inner circumferenceof the coupler sleeve, wherein the coupler sleeve is slidable on thecoupler body from a first, retracted position relative to the couplerbody to a second, extended position relative to the coupler body; and abiasing element positioned between the coupler sleeve and the couplerbody, wherein the biasing element biases the coupler sleeve to thesecond, extended position relative to the coupler body, wherein: theinterlocks are in the disengaged position and seated in the interlockretaining seat when the coupler sleeve is in the first, retractedposition such that the coupler sleeve is retained in the first,retracted position; and the interlocks are in the engaged position whenthe coupler sleeve is in the second, extended position.
 20. The bottomloading coupler of claim 19 wherein: the coupler body comprises asupport ring positioned on the outer circumference of the coupler body;the coupler sleeve comprises a sleeve retention stop integrally formedon the inner circumference of the coupler sleeve; and the biasingelement is position between the support ring and the sleeve retentionstop.